A COLLECTIVE of mental health patients and allies has called on the Government to declare a moratorium on punishment for suicide attempts, as suicides continue taking place. 

The latest case is that of mother of three and TikTok content creator Shashikala Nadarajah, who is believed to have taken her life after being cyberbullied for several months. 

The police are investigating the case as well as that of a woman’s death at the Suria KLCC mall in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month, apparently from a fall. 

Rangkaian Solidariti Demokratik Pesakit Mental (SIUMAN) also noted that it has almost been a year since the Government agreed to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code, which criminalises attempts to commit suicide. 

“While the Health Ministry has impressive plans to address suicides as a public health issue, it’s been 10 months since the Government announced intent to decriminalise (in October 2021). 

“Suicides are still being reported and we don’t even have a moratorium on Section 309 of the Penal Code,” SIUMAN tweeted yesterday (Aug 8). 

According to official data revealed in Parliament, Malaysia recorded 902 attempted suicides from 2018 to June 2021.  

Of that number, 261 cases were prosecuted in 2018, 243 in 2019, 223 in 2020 and 175 in the first six months of 2021. 

“Moratorium a win-win” 

SIUMAN questioned the apparent resistance to a moratorium on suicide attempts, saying data can be collected from victims without fear of legal repercussions if a moratorium is in place. 

This would then assist groups like SIUMAN to shape and inform public health policies related to suicide. 

On the other hand, if the data shows that Section 309 is needed, then the moratorium can be withdrawn, making it somewhat of a “win-win” either way for the Government. 

SIUMAN added that the National Suicide Registry Malaysia (NSRM) last published reports in 2008 and 2009, and has remained “dormant” ever since. 

“How does the Cabinet (plan on) reconciling this? Are we serious about (decriminalising suicide)?” SIUMAN asked. 

The group also asked the Health Ministry to clarify its timeline on suicide decriminalisation, noting that it was already the third quarter of the year. 

Section 309 of the Penal Code is just “two lines of text” that could be repealed through an amendment Bill in the Dewan Rakyat, it pointed out. 

“Once Section 309 of the Penal Code is repealed, the Mental Health Act 2001 will have primacy over suicide attempts,” a SIUMAN spokesperson told FocusM. 

“The Act also has provisions that allow for involuntary admissions for psychiatric assessment and care,” they noted. “These provisions need strengthening, but for now, (using such provisions is) better than going through the criminal justice system.” 

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call Talian Kasih’s hotline (15999) or Befrienders Malaysia (03-7627 2929). – Aug 9, 2022

https://focusmalaysia.my/what-happened-to-the-govts-plan-to-decriminalise-suicide/